19 New Songs to Listen to This Week From RIXXIA to Macario Martínez

RIXXIA_

Courtesy of the artist.

This is our weekly compilation of bite-sized reviews of newly released songs by our talented music writers. Discover new favorites, read nuanced criticism of the week’s hottest releases, and much more. Who knows, you might walk out of this with a new fave or two. Some of the featured artists include RIXXIA, Macario Martínez, and DeathbyRomy. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.


RIXXIA – “ME ENAMORÉ DE UN VAMPIRO!”

Throw your garlic and wooden stakes away because Mexican producer, singer and DJ RIXXIA presents a hypertechno ritual in the form of “ME ENAMORE DE UN VAMPIRO!”, which will gather the creepiest and most fabulous night creatures on the dancefloor. Made in collaboration with angely2k, RIXXIA adds this song to the new DELULUXE version of her latest album NO LO ENtENDERIAS. Through moody synths masterfully layered with screams and laughter so faint that they feel like a subliminal spooky message, “ME ENAMORE DE UN VAMPIRO!” could be a contemporary and cuntier retelling of Nosferatu. After a night session of longing and “getting the mattress wet,” a vampire is summoned through her window. The frenetic flapping around the room is perfectly echoed as her voice bounces between both headphones with a mesmerizing delivery of lyrics like “foolish mortals dying for me, while I’m over here being nasty with a vile vampire” in this electric declaration of love and bloodthirst that makes us want to dance until the sun comes up, yet wishing it never does. – La Morra Lisa


Macario Martínez – “Estar sin ti”

Following an explosive year releasing a debut album to roaring critical acclaim, countless live performances, and starring in his own episode of NPR’s Tiny Desk, Mexico City’s Macario Martínez returns for a victory lap. “Estar sin ti” is the first track since Martínez’s debut release last year, Si Mañana Ya No Estoy. The new track follows the same path as its predecessor, building a crescendoing melody in between grounded guitar strums and a transcendent chord progression that snags your attention at first notice. It serves as the first single post-debut for the singer-songwriter, marking the official transition to a new chapter for Martinez’s career, keeping the heartfelt lyricism and tender vocal melodies. “Estar sin ti” champions a sound that defies expectations. Its production is grandiose, confident in its presence, and creates a blinding experience throughout. – Alan Baez


DeathbyRomy – "2468"

If high school pep rallies had distortion pedals, they’d probably sound something like “2468.” And honestly, who knew counting could sound this rebellious? DeathbyRomy takes outdated cheerleader chants and twists them into wickedly controlled mayhem, fusing alt-metal riffs with industrial textures and towering pop hooks with all the attitude of a Warped Tour parking lot. Somehow, the heavier it gets, the more fun it becomes. Credit Romy, who knows exactly when to pull back and when to hit the gas, making every chorus land harder than the last. If there’s a point where you’re supposed to resist shouting along, she certainly doesn’t leave much room for it. So forget fitting in; “2468” sounds like the moment the misfits finally get off the bleachers and hijack the pep rally. By the end, it’s hard not to wish you’d been one of them all along. – Jeanette Diaz


Brray – "La Sacra Famiglia"

On “La Sacra Famiglia,” Brray delivers a reflective look at the experiences that have shaped him, balancing personal honesty with the sharp lyricism that has defined his catalog. The Puerto Rican rapper examines the realities of success, touching on loyalty, family, and the sacrifices that come with ambition while offering a more vulnerable side of his storytelling. The track’s measured delivery and introspective writing allow its themes to land without feeling overstated, capturing the tension between personal growth and the pressures that come with reaching new heights. “La Sacra Famiglia” adds another layer to Kobe Brray, Brray’s forthcoming album inspired by Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality, continuing a vision centered on discipline, resilience, and evolution. – Natasha Melina Argudo


YEИDRY – “Espejo”

After spending years dropping one-off singles and collaborations with the likes of J Balvin, Damian Marley, and Lous and the Yakuza, Dominican-Italian artist YEИDRY has finally readied her long-awaited debut album. Following the project’s first single “Mala Mía,” she dropped “Espejo,” an intimate window into her family life. Backed mostly by an acoustic guitar and a cajón, with occasional electronic fills, YEИDRY finds inspiration in her relationship with her father, whom she met when she was 18. She’s a whirlwind of pain, curiosity, nostalgia, and happiness as she looks to heal and connect, making peace with what’s been missed. – Cheky


Ysa C – “ZuZu”

This is one song you won’t get out of your head after listening to it. The Colombian artist Ysa C is back with her newest offering, “ZuZu.” The track captures the feeling when you meet someone who you know is going to change your life. Drenched in Afrobeats and catchy pop elements, “ZuZu” takes you on a feel-good journey with a charming guitar and bass that carry the message of falling in love. Produced by Vladi Cachai, the percussion-filled earworm was inspired by early aughts pop, opening the pathway for Ysa C’s next musical chapter, which already sounds intriguing to explore. “ZuZu” comes after the releases of “No Llegamos Ni A Febrero” and “Lokita X Ti” with Mati Gómez. – Jeanette Hernandez


Gloria de Oliveira – “Fading Faces”

Boasting a haunting and unique sound, Brazilian-German artist Gloria de Oliveira explores the duality of beauty and menace in “Fading Faces.” Musically, the track sits somewhere between dream pop abstractions and gothic intensity, through which de Oliveira communicates ethereal emotions that manage to hit hard. Aided by flowing synths, midtempo drums, and undeniable melodies, the song brims with layers that will invite repeated, deeper listenings. Likewise, her vocals approach a Lana del Rey-like melancholy and grandeur while remaining relatable, a trick of invoking harder emotions into easy-to-remember musical passages. Thanks to her talent, de Oliveira delivers a memorable track with grace and uniqueness. — Marcos Hassan


Feli Colina – “Megalómana / Destruirte y Amarte”

Feli Colina is a force of nature. On her groundbreaking 2022 LP, El Valle Encantado, the theatrical singer-songwriter invoked the percussion and criollo mysticism of Argentina’s northwestern provinces, while on her forthcoming album, La Otra Mejilla, she doubles down on blistering confessionals. The lead single “Demasiado Nada” is a propulsive cover of Flema’s punk betrayal classic, and her latest teaser, “Megalómana / Destruirte y Amarte,” turns the blade inward, calling out her own delusions and hypocrisies. “Feli, Feli, es una fina femina,” opens the song, setting the stage as a mocking lullaby before the mix switches into jazzy percussion, minor chord piano keys, and unsettling strings. Colina oscillates between getting high on her own supply and fessing up to her bullshit with lines like, “Me condenaste, Dios, con ser tan sabia, linda y buena,” which is so outrageously egotistical it dances on the line between irony and sincerity. — Richard Villegas


Louie El Ser – “chikiBb”

Mexican-Salvadoran vocalist and producer Louie El Ser has been setting the stage for their debut album, Cerebral, since the first week of the year, and the time has come to share it with the world. This week they drop the LP, and the focus track “chikiBb” brings it home with another prime example of the unique energy their music brings. Previous singles like “Amor.illo” and “Perra (i wanna be your dog)” impressed with their experimental fusion of electronic, post-punk, cumbia, and more. Louie’s sound invites listeners to a journey through their world; a kaleidoscope of emotions and music that mirrors the tumble of feelings every person goes through in life, while also being a vibe that’s fun to follow. — Juan J. Arroyo


Aria Vega – "TOTOTO (+4)"

What could seem like minimal instrumentation at first quickly turns into the perfectly measured canvas for Aria Vega’s fiery and arresting vocals on “TOTOTO (+4),” where this powerhouse delivers an upfront statement of uncontrollable love and desire. Through lyrics like “your embrace calms the stormy sea” and “when they ask where I’m going, my direction is you,” she effortlessly showcases different levels of energy and intention, worthy of a global superstar in the making. A dignified representation of Colombia’s new generation embracing the country’s Caribbean soul through Afrobeats, the inviting percussion and extremely memorable chorus won’t escape your brain. The visuals complement the subdued and hypnotizing qualities of the song through a warm-toned environment that provides the perfect stage for Vega and two dancers to present a mesmerizing performance. Pushing Barranquilla to a global stage, with “TOTOTO (+4),” Aria Vega is aiming, shooting for, and reaching the TOTOTOTOP! – La Morra Lisa


EMJAY – "Moreno Fantasy"

Continuing her rollout of dynamic, genre-building singles, the latest from Emjay teases a vivid new fantasy. “Moreno Fantasy” follows an already impressive cast of songs that experiment with techno influences and raw rock aesthetics, but goes further with a dreamier and luscious sound. Built on ethereal high hats and an infectious chord progression, Emjay creates a lucid flow state, merging with the sonic and focused production for what feels like clubbing on a cloud. “Moreno Fantasy” serves as the first teaser for Emjay’s forthcoming album, POP PESADO, the successor to her ambitious me estoy volviendo loca, bringing along with it a heightened sense of songwriting and gritty melodies. – Alan Baez


Dylan Thomas. – “Esclarecer”

On their latest EP, Este lugar no es aquí, Dylan Thomas. trace a roadmap toward clarity after everything falls apart. On “Esclarecer,” the Costa Rican band slowly unfold cinematic indie rock with chamber-pop flourishes, where delicate acoustic guitars and restrained string arrangements gradually open the song into a wider frame. Between its unhurried pacing and reflective lyrics, there’s no rush toward resolution. Instead, they lean into the space between each note, allowing every new layer to arrive in its own time. The result is a song that knows exactly when to breathe, making even uncertainty feel a little less daunting. It’s the kind of song you’d want to reach for during life’s in-between moments, when certainty still feels out of reach, but continuing forward—with the help of a great soundtrack, of course—somehow feels possible. – Jeanette Diaz


Fabolous, Dave East, Arlene MC, Boy Wonder CF, and Fatman Scoop – “DOMI NYC”

Built around a hard-knocking beat and undeniable New York attitude, “DOMI NYC” finds Fabolous, Dave East, Arlene MC, Boy Wonder CF, and the late Fatman Scoop meeting at the intersection of Dominican dembow and East Coast hip-hop. The production gives each artist room to lean into their signature style, with Fabolous and Dave East delivering gritty verses, Arlene MC bringing a commanding dembow presence, and Fatman Scoop adding his unmistakable energy. Beyond its heavyweight lineup, the track reflects the natural overlap between two cultures whose musical influence has long extended across both sides of the Caribbean. The accompanying visual reinforces that connection with a vibrant tribute to Dominican identity, making “DOMI NYC” as much a celebration of shared roots as it is a hard-hitting cross-cultural collaboration. – Natasha Melina Argudo


Valeria Jasso – “Tú y Yo”

Valeria Jasso’s “Tú y Yo” is a song for a beach day when the water is warm, and the weather is just right. The Mexican singer-songwriter channeled her bossa nova and folk influences to give us a mellow acoustic jam where her voice shines in restraint. The lyrics are simple but heartwarming, conveying the feeling of meeting with someone you love in dreams through summery images. “Tú y Yo” follows “Solo Tú” and “Bajo El Sol” as the third single from Jasso’s upcoming sophomore album, and it’s shaping up to be a gorgeous body of work. This is your new go-to song to remember your loved ones. – Cheky


Álvaro Díaz, Akriila – “KILO.”

“Mami, estos f*ckin’ kilos, siempre lejo’ de ti.” Álvaro Díaz is showing us what it is to yearn for someone. In his newest collaboration “KILO.” with Akriila, the two trade verses about counting down the hours to meet their special someone. But the track is not all lovey-dovey; it also shows the messy part of love. With the Chilean singer’s distorted, entrancing, and hard-hitting vocals, she transforms the yearning song into something different, giving the standout outro a glimpse of the other side of the story. Sonically, the track gives experimental and alternative rap, bass-heavy trap, and haunting synths (with a reminiscent touch of Mac Miller’s “Cinderella” guitar) that take you on a rollercoaster, echoing the duo’s tense love-to-heartbreak narrative. And that’s what makes this song worth playing on repeat: it brings emotion from both the duo and the producers behind the track. – Jeanette Hernandez


Dos Santos – “Es Amor”

Chicago psych rock institution Dos Santos is back with a brand new song that opens up new musical worlds within their eclectic sound. With “Es Amor,” they root a heartfelt melody with bolero flair; yet, the band arranges the track with dirty yet melodic guitars, subtle synths, trip-hop-like drums, and deep bass grooves. Over this, vocalist Alex E. Chavez sings a melody that feels familiar, timeless, and original, all at the same time, communicating a deep and amazing love with pining intensity and liberating ecstasy. The result is a track that feels like a physical space and showcases why Dos Santos is one of the most interesting bands playing right now. — Marcos Hassan


Electrochongo – “Buenos Aires Boy”

Argentine dance pop muscle-man Electrochongo has unveiled a devilishly fun new album called Generoso, a shimmering, sex-fueled odyssey of nights out on the town. Though recounting escapades in dark rooms and church pews, the record takes its most unexpected turn on “Buenos Aires Boy,” when the brawny keytarist heads for the nearest fútbol stadium. A reimagining of the Pet Shop Boys’ dance floor-crowder “New York City Boy,” the track follows a hunky hooligan on a strut down Avenida Corrientes, replacing the Village People’s iconic guest choruses with the roaring chants of fútbol hinchas. Dropping days after the World Cup final, as well as a particularly awful run of FIFA-funded pop slop, this is the kind of campy anthem that should ring through the stands of La Bombonera and become synonymous with the next Messi. — Richard Villegas


Giulia Be – “911”

Brazilian singer Giulia Be has just released the third and final act of her trilingual album GIULIA BE;, which is formed by three musical acts written in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, exploring the myriad ways in which the artist’s creative and personal facets fluctuate depending on the culture and language she is inserted in at the moment. In the latest chapter of this musical odyssey, the track “911” is a highlight not only for showcasing an emotionally mature take on the unbearable pains of heartbreak with clever lyrics and strong vocals, but also because of the deep connection it shares with the audience. The song was first introduced to the singer’s fans back in 2022, when she sang just a snippet of it during one of her concerts, and it immediately became a fan favorite. Now, the wait is over, and Giulia Be’s fans can finally listen to “911” in all its glory, along with enjoying a gorgeous accompanying music video. – Júlia Henn


Los Chinchillos Del Caribe – “Simpático (feat. El Dusty)”

Los Chinchillos Del Caribe are a fun group that has gained popularity not just for their penchant for wearing masks when in-character and performing, but also for being one of the few Puerto Rican acts dedicated to bringing cumbia and mambo to the island and beyond. That has led them to collaborate with artists like Los Rabanes and Jowell, and this week they drop their newest single: “Simpático” alongside Tejano DJ and producer El Dusty, who’s considered one of the leaders of cumbia electrónica. The song is slightly more subdued than their usual raucous tracks, but that doesn’t take away from the potential and excitement the band brings to every project. — Juan J. Arroyo

DeathbyRomy Macario Martínez new music new music fridays RIXXIA